Endau-Rompin National Park is the 2nd designated National Park of Malaysia. And rightly so, as it contains the world's oldest rainforest and the volcanic rocks there date 240 million years! It's name is derived from the two rivers through the park; the Endau river in the south in the state of Johor and the Rompin river in the state of Pahang in the north. It straddles the Pahang-Johor borders and covers 870sq km. There are some unique attractions in this little-explored park, which is the home of the nearly extinct Sumatran rhinoceros, some rare tigers, elephants, and tapirs. The lowland rainforest is one of the last remaining on the peninsula and contains some unique flora and fauna.

It has some of Malaysia's best waterfalls namely Buaya Sangkut, Upeh Guling and Batu Hampar all within 2 hours trek of each other. Also you'll get a chance to meet the tribal people of Peninsular Malaysia, known as Orang Asli. The tribe that inhabits the park is known as Jakun.

A proper trip to see all the major highlights of Endau-Rompin National Park should take 3 days. Of course it's not hard to spend a week what with the slow pace of life and very calm waters and forests.

The Park Headquarters - The office is housed in a large and beautiful wooden structure with 2 levels. It has an excellent library with a collection of books, pictures and samples of plants and animals. One can easily spend half a day there. It has a superb suspension bridge, which spans about 100m over a pond. It also houses a few chalets, a dormitory, a canteen and the staff's houses.

Flora and Fauna - The park has some wonderful plants and animals. Just 2 days before our visit, a herd of elephants paid a visit. Hence the elephant dung that we encountered earlier. Occasionally a tiger can be spotted from the Park HQ. And there are some monkeys at the park HQ that provide the morning wake-up call. While hiking, you will come across various plant lives, one of that is a giant fan palm tree, the Livistona Endaunesis which is found only here.

Boat Ride to Kuala Jasin - The first portion of your trip starts with 45-minute boat ride through very calm waters of Endau river to Kuala Jasin. You board the boat from the Orang Asli settlement of Kampung Peta. The Park HQ provides you with a guide who also doubles as your boatman. The water is clear and superb for drinking. Occasionally you'll see schools of fishes. For most, you'll see dense forests on both sides of the river.

Tasik Air Biru (Blue-Water Lake): - 15 minutes east of Upeh Guling is Tasik Air Biru, a freshwater lake that is very calm, too calm. The water looks blue due to reflection of sunlight on the white rounded rocks at the bed of the lake.

Buaya Sangkut Waterfall - The next journey is to Batu Hampar waterfall that can be reached 40 minutes of walking. A nice waterfall to cool down and take some well needed rest, as the ultimate physical test begins here. From here, you climb a steep Semanggong Hill, which is 2307 feet. Use the rattan rope to assist you in climbing the hill, as the gradient is around 45 degrees. After a backbreaking 3 hours, you will reach the awesome Buaya Sangkut waterfall. It's truly a sight to behold. This tall and scenic waterfall is your ultimate destination at the Endaqu-Rompin Park. Your guide will probably tell you the legend behind this waterfall.

The Orang Asli - They live at Kampung Peta, 15 minutes walk from the Park HQ. They lead a very simple life, selling handicrafts and pretty much self-sustained through farming and rearing of chickens. Don't miss the solar panels that dot their houses, which provide electricity. Also, the well-trained monkey that insists on showing its butt when a visitor approaches.

The 4 x 4 Drive - This is a unique experience and the only means of reaching the chalet base camp at Lubok Tapah and the camping ground at Lubok Merekek. It is better to hire a local operator to bring you in as during the wet seasons the route is very challenging and treacherous.

Three Waterfalls - A sight to behold. As the waterfalls are not within easy reach, they have remained pristine and almost untouched.

Takah Pandan has more than 50m of straight fall and is a spectacular sight. It is also the site for the water abseiling activity.

Takah Beringin is harder to reach due to the terrain and almost not passable during the wet seasons. The scenery surrounding the waterfalls is mystical and enchanting.

Takah Tinggi is the largest of the tree has easier access but a longer walk but easier walk. The base of the waterfalls has a large pool teaming with fishes. No fishing is allowed as the area is gazetted as a fish sanctuary.

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